A village’s Christmas Festivities committee recently organised a Best-Dressed House competition.
Swineshead Christmas Festival committee asked for applications through their Facebook page, to enter the competition throughout the village.
The village usually runs a local Christmas event including a festive light switch-on in the village centre, however due to restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, that wasn’t able to happen, therefore the committee opted to run a competition through social media, showcasing properties dressed up for the festive celebrations.
Judged by The Worshipful Mayor of Boston, Councillor Anton Dani, judging took place on the evening of Friday 18th December throughout the village, with houses showcasing their illuminations. Of the 20 entries, the Mayor of Boston, accompanied by Maria Dani, the Mayors Consort; Chair of Swineshead Christmas Festival Committee Chelcei Trafford and Committee Treasurer Sean Trafford travelled around the village to inspect all the properties and decide on the top 3 houses.
- 1st Place: Nigel & Pauline– Abbey Road
- 2nd Place: Gemma – High Green
- 3rd Place: Gunita & Janis – Longrigg Walk
Chair of Swineshead Christmas Festival Committee, Chelcei Trafford said: “The committee were astounded with the amount of entries to this year’s competition and seeing the variation of properties its truly heart-warming, particularly in these difficult times due to COVID-19.
“Swineshead has a well-known community feel, and this was portrayed by the warm welcome the Mayor of Boston received whilst judging the properties, who also watched Swineshead Silver Band performing Carols under the Streetlight.”
The Worshipful Mayor of Boston, Councillor Anton Dani said: “The Lady Mayoress and I were both very impressed with the hard work in which residents of Swineshead have gone to, to give their houses and streets an extra bit of Christmas spirit. It was a difficult decision to pick a winner and runners up, as all properties entered were of exceptional standards.
“My warmest regards go out to all residents of the village and borough, and I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”
Sunday saw a Christmas parade through the village, including Santa with his sleigh, elves on an 9.5 mile walk around the village, starting at North End, progressing through the estates and cul-de-sacs, finishing at High Green, all adhering to social distancing, bringing joy to all the village.
Chelcei continued: “Sunday’s parade was a huge success, and I’m really pleased went so well. We had so many residents stand on their doorsteps, waving and cheering us, it was satisfying to return the Christmas spirit to the village.
My thanks goes to all residents who kept within their household boundaries whilst watching our parade, and for maintaining the social distancing regulations to ensure the safety of everyone involved. I’d also like to thank my fellow committee members for working as a team, sharing our passion and bringing our visions together, making them a reality, for the benefit of our community and much-loved village.”
Accompanied by the Best Dressed House competition and Santa Parade, the committee have also hosted Santa Races, a Mega Wheel and involved students from the local school in a competition to create handmade decorations.
- • Winners of the Swineshead’s Best Dressed House Competition, Nigel Blakey and Pauline Hunt, with Mayor of Boston Councillor Anton Dani, Lady Mayoress and Chelcei and Sean Trafford